Dissociative Disorders     

Report on the Workshop held for primary care givers in Shetland by First Person Plural.

First Person Plural Training Day in Shetland 

First Person Plural are a charitable organisation whose aim is to develop awareness of Dissociative Disorders. These disorders are often found in survivors of Sexual Abuse. Click link to visit our page on Dissociation to find out more about the disorders and First Person Plural  Dissociative Disorders 

First Person Plural came and delivered training to a group of 25 professionals in Shetland. Our survivors group (S.A.S.) had received funding to bring trainers to inform mental health workers, counsellors, voluntary sector, alcohol and drug abuse workers and many others about DID. We approached someone from the United Kingdom Societyfor the Study of Dissociative Disorders (UKSSDD) and First Person Plural was recommended highly to us. 

The day was a huge success. Kathryn and Melanie, the presenters of the workshop, flew up to Shetland, a very lengthy journey involving trains, more than one flight each and a long car ride! The plane to Shetland was late getting in so we were all anxious but it arrived eventually late in the evening! 

Kathryn and Melanie delivered the training in a highly professional manner and were received by all in a positive and pro-active way.  The content of the day was informative and presented in several ways, which kept peoples concentration and interest. PowerPoint, a DVD, participating activities and both Kathryn and Melanie sharing made the presentation high quality. 

Since the day there has been progress in Shetland regarding the acceptance and eagerness to learn about DID. Three groups of different professionals are already meeting to support working with folk and to research the subject. 

Kathryn and Melanie also came to our Survivors group and shared with us the following morning. This was helpful and we felt they were a part of our group for that morning. We had an informal question time and all members present have said how valuable that meeting has been for them. 

Click to read comments about the informal SAS group meeting with First Person Plural

Mind, the UK organisation that publishes information on many conditions has an excellent booklet on the different levels of dissociation, it offers information in a well presented format. We recommend that anyone interested in this subject visits the following link: http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+dissociative+disorders.htm